A fellow hijabi blogging about everything, but mostly beauty!

Tag Archives: skincare

Ever since I could remember I’ve been struggling with dandruff. Having dandruff can be extremely annoying! Try brushing your hair, and your black chair will turn into a white chair. Those with serious dandruff issues are totally relating right now!

I’ve literally tried everything possible that has been invented and nothing has worked. From shampoos to leave- in conditioners, nothing has been able to take care of my dandruff, until I came across this little home remedy which I promise you will be thanking me later!

You will need these two ingredients: coconut oil and tea tree oil.

Put a tablespoon or two of coconut oil in a bowl (the amount of coconut oil you use depends on the length of your hair), I usually put about 2 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Thereafter, add a few drops of tea tree oil. Take the mixture and heat it in the microwave for a few minutes until warm; massage into scalp.

Benefits:

Coconut oil: coconut oil is extremely rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients which allows your hair to extremely strong and shiny. Coconut oil is also rich in antioxidants, and has antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties. When used on hair, it improves scalp health, fights infections and fungus; it targets the fungus and helps to kill dandruff as well as viruses and bacteria that may be lurking on your scalp.

Tea tree oil: tea tree oil allows your hair to grow by healing your damaged or clogged hair follicles. It is also quite effective in treating the scalp as it contains anti- septic and antibiotic properties which kills the fungus that causes dandruff.

Both these ingredients are working at combating dandruff. Heating the oil and massaging it into the scalp helps stimulate blood flow to the scalp, the warm oil soothes an itchy scalp and helps to keep the dandruff from getting worse.

Do this at least twice a week if your dandruff is really bad and you will see the results within a week or two.

A few months ago, I came across Vichy Mineral 89 as I was scrolling on Instagram as another blogger was using it as part of her skincare regime. It looked nice, but I wasn’t sold on actually going to the store to buy it. Little did I know that this was the product my skin was yearning and craving for!

As time went buy, I realized that although my skin was looking good and in a much better condition then a few months ago, I knew there was something missing. I then realized I was missing that natural glow. Yes, the glow! My skin was definitely looking good but that lovely glow was missing and like many others I was yearning for that glow. AgaiI went back to Vichy Mineral 89, and did research and I was like maybe I need this in my life in order to get my glow on.

A few days later I went to Dis- Chem and purchased it for R375,00. The product was packaged in a white and blue box. It came in a see through glass bottle which I love because then I can see how much product I’m using and how much I have left. It also has a pump which is very hygienic and product doesn’t easily waste. It contains ingredients such as aqua/water and glycerin which is very natural for the skin. The product promises skin that is toned, plumped and hydrated with a glow which sure is a tall promise! I knew that even I used it and it didn’t work, it wouldn’t damage my skin because of all the natural ingredients.

The next morning after I using toner, I applied it to my face. The product was soft, although it was a bit runny. My skin felt really soft after application. As my skin tends to dry out easily, within an hour it started to feel really dry. I didn’t have any cream or moisturizer with me so that day was horrible. The next day I tried it again and it was the same result, I was extremely disappointed that I wasn’t getting what I paid for. It didn’t have the creamy formula that my skin needed and it wasn’t going working for my skin. After much contemplation, I decided that I should perhaps I should add it to my night skincare regime.

In the evening after cleansing, and toning my skin, I applied the Vichy Mineral 89 and then I applied my night cream. My skin felt amazing! I can’t even describe it! It felt so hydrated and plumped, it was like I put on new skin. I couldn’t believe that my skin could feel that good. Within a week of using it this way, my skin started to develop that glow I was craving. I can actually see the difference in my skin since I started using it and I absolutely love what I’m seeing.

My rating: 4/5

Except for the fact that its a bit runny, I absolutely love this product! If you are craving glowy skin, then this is the product you need to get your hands on!

Not too long ago I was having multiple breakouts and my skin was looking horrible, I decided to get a professional opinion and booked an appointment with a dermatologist (I HAD NO IDEA that dermatologists were so busy!) and I obtained an appointment for six weeks later. The wait was endless and it felt like my skin was getting worse.

Upon visiting the dermatologist, I discovered I had acne. The doctor prescribed multiple different types of medication and creams and recommended that I use Cetaphil as part of my daily cleansing routine.

I followed the doctors orders and purchased the smaller bottle of the Cetaphil cleanser for oily skin. It was extremely gentle on the skin and it felt lovely when I washed with it every day. After a weak of usage my skin started getting extremely dry, and there was patches on my face where the skin was peeling off, because of the dryness my skin felt horrible, it was extremely uncomfortable and when I tried to apply something to moisturize my skin, it burnt because of the dryness of my skin. I stopped using it immediately and after alot of product my skin was able to get its moisture back.

Giving the price and the tall promises of the product, I would think that it would work better on the skin especially since its developed for acne prone skin and multiple tests have been done before the product reaches the market. Instead of it fulfilling its promises it made my skin worse and this has also happened to a few people that have tried the Cetaphil skincare. I don’t understand the fuss, especially since it not living up to its name.

Rating: 0/5

Do not bother buying or even glancing at it, opt for a skincare where you will obtain value for your money and actually help with your skin condition.

I have tried so many products over the years, that I feel I’m obliged to share what works and what not. We spend so much money on skincare as it promises us these amazing results and when you try it, it seldomly works or gives you amazing skin and at times it might even cause serious breakouts on your skin. Last year I tried out the PHYTOCARE Skin oil range, and frankly I was quite surprised at the results.

PHYTOCARE is a South African skin company which launched not too long ago. While I was browsing through MakeupShacks website, I noticed their products. I was unsure what to expect as there weren’t any reviews online, but I thought why not? What if it actually works? The products were not that pricey which definitely impacted my decision to purchase it. Two days after purchasing it, I receive it. The bottles were simple but pretty. I was skeptical to try it out but after a few days, I decided to give it a go. All the ingredients of the products are natural, which I absolutely love. I purchased Eyelixir, Lumiluxe and Luscious Skin.

Eyelixir

This is an eye oil that promises to brighten and tighten around the eyes. I have tried hundreds of eye products but nothing has worked until I tried out this eye oil. Within a week I could already see the difference around my eyes, it not only brightened and tightened my eyes but also decreased the appearance of my under eye circles. With continued use I could see the difference under my eyes without having to wait months. My under eye circles has decreased so much that I don’t have to apply as much concealer as I would prior to using PHYTOCARE. I absolutely love this oil, it has become part of my night skin regime and I will not be letting it out of sight.

2. Lumiluxe

A dupe for the Farsali Rose Gold Elixir without the gold, of course! I don’t have sensitive skin so when I used this serum, and I started breaking out, I was quite surprised! I used the serum under my makeup which allowed my makeup to look fresh and dewy the entire day and on days where I didn’t wear makeup, I would apply it in the morning as a day oil and on some evenings I would apply it as a night out. After a few times of application, it caused serious breakouts on my skin and I immediately stopped using it. I was quite disappointed because from all of the PHYTOCARE products, I was looking forward to using the Lumiluxe the most. I do love the way my makeup looked after a few drops of this oil, however as it caused serious repercussions to my face, I will not be reaching for it any time soon.

3. Luscious Skin

This is the one product that I can’t stop gushing about! This product promises to firm your skin if applied everyday. I would apply this oil every day to areas of my body that contained stretch marks, a few drops of the oil can also be put inside your bathwater. Within a few weeks after applying the oil, I noticed that my stretch marks were becoming lighter. After over a month of use, I noticed that my stretch were definitely getting lighter and on some parts of my body, the stretch marks were gone! Yes! I also couldn’t believe it! But I promise, it does actually work! I dislike the dropper, as sometimes its difficult for the oil to come out but apart from that I totally recommend this oil if you have been suffering with stretch marks, and would like to get rid of them or you would like to make your skin more firm.

Overall I love the products from PHYTOCARE, they smell great and they work wonders! They are indeed miracle oils!

I’ve noticed that during Winter my lips tend to get more chapped and they look super unhealthy and I hate the way it looks so its extremely important for me to take extra care during the colder months. A lip scrub definitely helps to exfoliate and keeps my lips super moisturized and nourished which also makes it feel and look softer.

I love making my own scrub because its so much cheaper and you get to put in your own products from your kitchen which makes it quite natural. This is definitely my go- to lip scrub and I try and use this scrub at least twice a week to ensure my lips look super healthy every day. You can say bye to chapped lips with this amazing lip scrub!

To make this scrub, you will need:

Brown sugar

Glycerine or vegetable glycerine

rose water

Depending on how much you going to be needing that’s how much you should use. I usually just make a little bit each time I need to use it.

Brown sugar: Brown sugar makes a great exfoliator for the skin and lips as it dissolves easily and improves the texture of your lips.

Glycerine or vegetable glycerine: glycerine is a natural exfoliant; it has a keratolytic effect, helping with desquamation, the skins natural exfoliating process that breaks down skin cells, preventing dull, flaky skin or lips. It is also an effective moisturising ingredient, helping to soften and lubricate the lips. Lastly, glycerine hydrates;Glycerine absorbs its own weight in water over a period of a few days, making it the perfect ingredient for a dry lips.

Rose water: rose water ensures soft lips, and evens out the complexion on your lips. If used moderately, you can get really pink lips!

I also take a toothbrush and brush over my lips each night to ensure that its extremely exfoliated and soft at all times.

After using this scrub you will definitely feel and see the difference and your lips will thank you.

And oh, you welcome!

P.s. Leave a comment below if you’ve tried this scrub and whether it has worked wonders on your lips.

Charcoal masks are all over the internet and on social media sites! These charcoal masks promises you different and flawless skin and boy! it does live up to those expectations. Long before charcoal masks become a trend I was already experimenting with it and I loved the way it looked and made my skin feel so I made it part of my beauty regiment.

Throughout the day toxins from around the world we live in clog our pores. Once your pores are clogged it has a negative impact on your complexion. When activated charcoal is used in a face mask it helps to pull the dirt out of your pores and makes them less visible; this leaves your face super fresh and a radiant complexion. It also helps with oily skin, activated charcoal can pull the unwanted excess oils from your skin, leaving it super smooth.

Yours truly is here to share one of my favorites which always leaves my skin extremely glowy and fresh.

This mask is extremely easy and you will see a huge difference in your skin.

You will need:

Two tablespoons of activated charcoal

enough honey to create a paste

I used the powdered activated charcoal, you can obtain activated charcoal at your local pharmacy, if you do have the capsules you can open it up and use the powder within the capsule, however the capsules are more expensive then the powder.

Mix the activated charcoal with a little bit of honey, add more if necessary until you obtain a paste. Once you’ve made a paste you can apply it directly to your face for about 30- 45 minutes and then wash off. Apply a moisturizer thereafter.

What these ingredients do:

Activated charcoal draws bacteria, poisons, chemicals, dirt and other micro- particles to the surface of the skin, helping you to achieve a flawless complexion and fight acne at the same time.

Honey : Honey is a naturally antibacterial, so it’s great for acne treatment and prevention, its full of antioxidants, it is great for slowing down aging. It is extremely moisturizing and soothing, so it helps create a glow and a flawless complexion. Honey is clarifying because it opens up pores making them easy to unclog.

Your pores will thank you later!

P.S. if you try out this mask, do let me know if it had the same effect on your skin, and you welcome.

If you haven’t met the konjac sponge, you need to re-evaluate your life choices! Yes, I’m serious!

No idea what a konjac sponge is?

Do not fear! Yours truly is about to enlighten you and your skin, and Oh you’re welcome!

The Konjac Sponge

That little brown thing (its actually black) in the picture above is how the konjac sponge looks like.

The Konjac Potato or Konnyaku is a native plant in Asia and can be found growing wild at very high altitudes. Konjac contains 97% water, is rich in minerals and low in calories which makes it a natural food source. Konjack is also pH neautral which therefere leaves your skin looking perfectly balanced. The konnyaku is over 1,500 years old and has been used as medicine, food, a beauty product. The Konjac sponge was orginally created for delicated baby skin.

Interesting right?

Apart from the history of the Konjac, it contains an endless amount of benefits:

100% natural fibres

Packed with mineral and antioxidants

Its non- toxic

100% cruelty free

Its made naturally and its environmentally safe

The konjac sponge has literally changed my life and my skin! Its extremely gentle on the skin and works so much better than scrubs and it can be used for daily exfoliation, you may use it with your face wash when washing your face daily. Once you use it with your face wash, whilst washing and exfoliating you will be able to gently remove your makeup, without a hustle. After using a Konjac sponge daily for a week, my skin was much smoother and a bit more radiant. I could definitely feel and see a difference in my skin, after using it just for a week and I know if my skin could speak it would be expressing its gratitude profusely.

How to use it: Soak the sponge in water until its softer and fully expanded. Then remove the excess water by gently pressing the sponge in between the palms of your hand. Use in a circular motion on your face for a few minutes.

If you don’t own one, you need to get your hands on one! Your skin will thank you later. Its a small investment to ensure you have beautiful skin each day. I, honestly cannot imagine how my skin has survived without the konjac all this time!